Ben&Ben is a Filipino folk-pop band composed of brothers Benjamin and Miguel Guico. The band is known for their melodic acoustic sound and heartfelt lyrics about love, relationships and youth. But why are they called “Ben and Ben” when both members share the same first name? There are a few reasons behind the band’s name.
Both Brothers are Named Benjamin
The most obvious reason is that both brothers are actually named Benjamin. The older brother is Benjamin Joseph Guico, while the younger brother is Benjamin Ryan Guico. They were both named after their father, Benjamin Guico Sr. So with two Benjamins in the band, it made perfect sense to dub themselves “Ben and Ben”. It highlights their fraternal bond and reflects their equal creative partnership.
To Differentiate Themselves
Calling themselves Ben and Ben was also a way to differentiate the two brothers instead of having to call them Benjamin and Benjamin. It would get confusing referring to both of them simply as Benjamin, so giving them the shorthand Ben and Ben makes it clear who you’re talking about. Ben is the older Benjamin while Ben is the younger Benjamin.
Referencing Their Surname
Some also speculate that Ben and Ben is a play on their Filipino surname Guico. While pronounced “Ghee-coh”, it’s spelled in a way that almost looks like Ben & Ben. So together their names Benjamin Guico and Benjamin Guico form a Ben and Ben pairing.
When and How Ben and Ben Got Their Name
Ben and Ben wasn’t always the band’s name. They went through a few different monikers before landing on Ben and Ben.
Early Days as The Vision
The brothers first started making music together in high school in the early 2010s. At the time, they called themselves The Vision. Under this name, they performed covers of popular songs at school events and competitions.
Brief Stint as Never The Strangers
In college, the duo rebranded themselves as Never The Strangers. They began composing original Pilipino folk-influenced songs and posting them on YouTube. The indie pop duo also started gigging at local bars and clubs.
Switch to Ben&Ben
It wasn’t until 2016 when they finally changed their name to Ben&Ben. They wanted a simpler name to reflect their new acoustic direction. Ben&Ben was a natural fit that highlighted their brotherhood and still sounded catchy.
Solidified as Ben and Ben
By their breakthrough single “Kathang Isip” in 2017, their branding solidified as Ben and Ben. They started introducing themselves as Ben and Ben during interviews and performances. The name stuck and now they’re known globally as Ben and Ben.
Meaning Behind Ben and Ben Band Name
Aside from identifying the brothers, the band name Ben and Ben also has some deeper meaning that captures the band’s spirit.
Togetherness and Unity
Ben and Ben evokes a sense of togetherness and unity. As brothers, they are bonded both in blood and through music. Playing together in a band is an expression of their fraternal creative partnership.
Duality and Harmony
Although they are two distinct individuals named Ben, they come together to create a harmonious sound. Their music explores the duality between their different personalities and musical styles. Yet as Ben and Ben, they find harmony.
Equality
Neither Ben comes first in their name. It is simply Ben and Ben, on equal footing. This reflects how they split creative duties, share vocal duties, and maintain a balanced dynamic. Neither brother outshines the other.
How Ben and Ben Got Popular
Ben and Ben steadily gained a following before exploding in popularity from 2018 to 2019. Here’s a timeline of how they went from small gigs to global sensations.
2016: College Performances
Ben and Ben first made a name for themselves playing college shows in 2016. Their DIY pop folk sound was a hit in the indie scene.
2017: Viral Single “Kathang Isip”
The 2017 single “Kathang Isip” went viral, racking up millions of streams. Its lyrics about unrequited love struck a chord with listeners.
2018: Major Label Debut
After signing with Sony Music Philippines, they released their major label debut, Ben&Ben. The album topped charts and earned them major music awards.
2019: Breakout Concerts
Ben and Ben held their first major headline concerts in 2019, selling out stadium venues across the Philippines. Their success extended across SEAsia.
2020-Present: International Success
In the 2020s, Ben and Ben broke into the global scene. They’ve collaborated with artists like P!ATD and performed internationally to great acclaim.
Band Members
Ben and Ben is composed of the two Guico brothers as well as their backing band. Here’s a look at each member:
Benjamin “Ben” Guico
– Role: Lead vocals, guitars
– Birthdate: May 31, 1993 (age 29)
Miguel “Ben” Guico
– Role: Lead vocals, guitars
– Birthdate: January 8, 1995 (age 28)
Andrew de Pano
– Role: percussion
– Birthdate: October 3, 1993 (age 29)
Toni Muñoz
– Role: Bass guitar
– Birthdate: August 18, 1994 (age 28)
Jamie Lim
– Role: Lead guitar
– Birthdate: February 14, 1995 (age 28)
Keifer Sanchez
– Role: Keyboards
– Birthdate: March 17, 1994 (age 28)
Ben and Ben’s Music Style and Influences
Ben and Ben’s music fuses folk, pop, indie rock and Filipino elements. Here are some of their key influences:
Folk
Ben and Ben’s acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies give their music an earthy folk quality.
Pop
Their songs incorporate pop melodies and production, adding a mainstream appeal.
Indie Rock
The band experiments with indie rock musicality and distorted guitars at times.
Filipino Influences
Ben and Ben add Filipino instruments like bamboo flutes and blend Tagalog lyrics.
The Beatles
They cite The Beatles as a major influence on their close harmonies.
Death Cab for Cutie
Ben and Ben are inspired by Death Cab’s emotional indie folk-rock style.
The Lumineers
Like The Lumineers, Ben and Ben mix acoustic folk with pop sensibilities.
Ben and Ben’s Biggest Hits
Here are some of Ben and Ben’s most popular songs:
| Song | Album | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kathang Isip | Ben&Ben | 2017 |
| Maybe The Night | Limasawa Street | 2018 |
| Pagtingin | Limasawa Street | 2019 |
| Lifetime | Limasawa Street | 2019 |
| Leaves | Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno | 2021 |
“Kathang Isip”
This breakout single went quadruple platinum, becoming Ben and Ben’s most iconic song. Its catchy melody and Tagalog lyrics made it a hit across the Philippines.
“Maybe The Night”
The lead single from their album Limasawa Street mixes pop and folk elements. It became a pan-Asian smash hit.
“Pagtingin”
This folk-pop song showcases Ben and Ben’s tight harmonies and acoustic guitars. It topped Philippine radio charts.
“Lifetime”
The emotional ballad “Lifetime” connected with fans across Asia, earning millions of Spotify streams.
“Leaves”
From their latest EP Kuwaderno, “Leaves” blends pop and tropical influences. It became their first song to chart on Billboard.
Conclusion
In summary, Ben and Ben got their name from the fact they are two brothers both named Benjamin. The band name reflects their fraternal bond and equal partnership. After years honing their craft and a viral hit single, Ben and Ben’s melodic folk-pop sound catapulted them to stardom across the Philippines and worldwide. Their heartfelt lyrics and tight harmonies have resonated with millions of listeners, making Ben and Ben a leading voice in today’s OPM scene.